2.09 Withdrawal

Students are expected to notify Harvard University Health Services (HUHS) of any hospitalization or emergency department visit. HUHS can be notified by phone 24 hours a day and 7 days a week at 617-495-5711.

Procedure for Notice and Consultation on Effects of Health Issues on Campus Housing

In situations where a student’s medical condition causes concern about the appropriateness and/or feasibility of their continuing to reside in or returning to a campus residence, HMS, in consultation with clinicians at Harvard University Health Services (HUHS), will determine whether a student can remain in or return to campus housing. Such situations can include notification to HMS that a student has been treated in the emergency department of a hospital or been hospitalized. In those instances, the student’s medical record, including their mental health record, will not be available to officers of HMS.

Consultation between clinicians and officers of HMS should occur at least 24 hours prior to the anticipated possible return of a student to campus housing. An important factor in the decision about whether a student may return to campus housing is the effect of the student’s presence on members of the residential community. Consultation about whether it is appropriate or feasible for a student to return to campus housing therefore also may include consultation with residents who are affected and with residential staff, only as necessary and with respect for confidentiality and the student’s right to privacy. Another important factor to be considered is whether the type of care and accommodation necessary for the student’s recovery extends beyond the physical resources or appropriate responsibilities of staff. Any student may, of course, refuse to allow consultation between the student's clinician(s) and Harvard Medical School, but such a refusal will not prevent HMS from making a decision regarding a student’s return to campus residence. The final decision about returning to and/or continuing in campus housing will rest with the HMS Dean for Graduate Education.

In certain instances, in which there is concern regarding the well-being of a student and/or if the student is hospitalized, the individual whose name the student has provided as their emergency contact may be notified by an officer of HMS.

Curriculum Continuity: Policy on Interruption

It is expected that students enrolled solely in a Master’s program will not interrupt their progress towards degree completion except for the kinds of extenuating circumstances warranting a leave of absence as described above.

See Section 2.18 in the Program in Medical Education handbook for the policy on interrupting progress as an HMS medical student to enroll in a Master’s degree.